CALL TO ACTION – Donation needed for local food banks!! Protest and Caring – Help Feed our Community!
Please join the North County Resistance in Nehalem on Saturday, June 13 from Noon to 2 PM, for our weekly protest. I am asking people to bring either food or a check made out to North County Food Bank, PO Box 162, Wheeler, Oregon 97147 or Nehalem Bay Community Services, PO Box 232, Nehalem, Oregon 97131. We will get your check and/or your food to where you want it to go.
People facing food insecurity are finding it even harder to get by. Most of you likely understand this, given the rising cost of everyday necessities. The extra dollar or more added to a gallon of gas can mean less money available for groceries. Would you consider donating 10% of what you pay for groceries every week to our local food banks? Say your weekly grocery bill averaged $50 per week-could you donate $5 to help feed our neighbors? We have always had Food Insecurity in this country. Lately, due to government cuts, it has effected many more people.
The following is information found online:
Oregon food banks are navigating federal funding cuts through state support, local fundraising, strategic planning, and community partnerships to meet rising demand.
Impact of Federal Cuts
Food banks across Oregon have faced significant challenges due to recent federal funding reductions. The USDA cut over $1 billion in funding for food banks and schools, including canceled food deliveries and programs that supported local farmers and school meals, leaving organizations like the Oregon Food Bank with dozens of truckloads of food canceled. Rural food banks, such as the Dallas Food Bank, report receiving 6,000 pounds less food per month, forcing them to purchase staples like cereal, canned vegetables, and meat, which strains already tight budgets. Rising food prices and increased demand have compounded these challenges, with some food banks seeing a 31% increase in visits over the past year.
Strategies for Survival
Food banks are employing several strategies to cope with these cuts:
- State Support: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek allocated $5 million to food banks and declared a state of emergency to mitigate the loss of SNAP benefits, allowing coordination with local governments and nonprofits to provide financial and food assistance oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
- Local Fundraising and Revenue Diversification: Organizations like Rogue Food Unites are seeking new revenue sources to reduce dependence on donors and maintain operations despite federal shortfalls Oregon Public Broadcasting.
- Strategic Planning: Food banks are reassessing their distribution and purchasing strategies to maximize limited resources, including prioritizing essential items and culturally relevant foods Oregon Public Broadcasting+1.
- Community Partnerships: Programs like Double Up Food Bucks help SNAP participants purchase Oregon-grown produce, supporting both families and local farmers oregonfoodbank.org.
Broader Implications
The cuts have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including children, immigrants, and rural communities, where food insecurity rates are higher KATU. Food banks are also addressing barriers for Spanish-speaking communities and ensuring safe, inclusive environments for all visitors Oregon Public Broadcasting. Advocates are pushing for state legislation, such as SB 611, to extend food assistance to children excluded from SNAP due to immigration status, aiming to provide more stable support oregonfoodbank.org.
Conclusion
Despite historic levels of need and reduced federal support, Oregon food banks are surviving through a combination of state emergency funding, strategic planning, local fundraising, and community-focused programs. These efforts aim to maintain access to nutritious food for Oregonians while advocating for long-term policy solutions to address food insecurity Oregon Public Broadcasting+4.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Do hope you can help out our local food banks.
